and president obama and boehner have spoken at this time. quote, we sent the white house a counteroffer that would achieve reform to solve our looming debt crisis and create more jobs. that's all we know. dana milbank, they say it's good. they said it will solve our problems. they won't say what it is. explain. >> well, look, we're still in the fairly early stage of posturing here, and nobody can strike a deal until they get closer to it, until their feet are to the fire. >> when do you say the fire begins? >> nobody can make any prediction for sure -- >> try. >> they could hammer this out in three hours if they really wanted to. >> that's right. >> but if they don't wait until the very end of december or even go over the cliff -- >> i think it's 21. i'm going to bet on -- what's your hunch about this, ron reagan? you're here -- i think they're going to try to get it done by christmas just for efficiency's sake and not to scare the horses. that's the thought i have. i may be conservative about this. >> yeah, i think you're right, they'd like